Floatation device for teaching proper swimming techniques

ABSTRACT

A floatation device or system for teaching proper swimming techniques and a method for making the same is disclosed. The device of the present invention has an elongated flattened body that is fashioned into a figure-eight like or a pear-like shape. The elongated flattened body is made from one or more buoyant tubular structures that form a first loop with a first aperture and a second loop with a second aperture. At least one of the first and second apertures is sufficiently large enough to be positioned around a torso portion of a swimmer&#39;s body. The device is capable of being used in a number of different swimming positions for teaching proper swimming techniques.

RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/008,435, filed on Dec. 19, 2007 and titled “A FLOATATION DEVICE FOR TEACHING PROPER SWIMMING TECHNIQUES.”

The co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/008,435, filed on Dec. 19, 2007 and titled “A FLOATATION DEVICE FOR TEACHING PROPER SWIMMING TECHNIQUES” is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to floatation devices. More specifically, this invention relates to a floatation device used to teach proper swimming techniques.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When learning to swim, it is important to be able to maintain the proper posture and position without having to worry about sinking and not being able to breath. Prior art floatation devices, such as floatation boards, are easily lost from a child's grip and thus do not build a child confidence in the water. Jacket type floatation devices tend to hold a swimmer upright and not lend themselves to allowing swimmer to maintain correct positioning to learn proper swimming techniques.

What is needed is a floatation device that provides security and stability for building swimmer's confidence while allowing swimmers assume a number of different swimming and floating positions for learning proper swimming techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a floatation device or system for teaching proper swimming techniques and a method for making the same. The device of the present invention preferably has an elongated flattened body with a figure-eight or a pear-like shape. The elongated flattened body is formed from one or more tubular structures that comprise a buoyant material, such as foam and or inflatable plastic. At least a portion of the tubular structures preferably have diameters in a range of 1.5 to 3.5 inches, such that the tubular structures are easy to grasp with a swimmer's hands.

In accordance with the embodiments of the invention the elongated flattened body is made from a first foam tube that form a first loop and the first aperture. A second foam tube, juxtaposed over a portion of the first foam tube and attached to the first foam tube, forms a second loop with a second aperture. The foam tubes are attached to each other by any suitable means including, but not limited to, hook-and-loop fabric, clips, snaps, straps, ties, belts and braces. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention the positions of the first and the second foam tubes relative to each other are adjustable. Accordingly, the length of the device and sizes of the second loop and second aperture are adjustable, such as described in detail below.

Where the elongated flattened body is formed from single tubular structure, the sizes of the first and second loops and the first and second apertures can be adjusted by changing the position of a yoke juncture where the single tubular structure is folded over onto itself and attached to it itself through attachment features including, but not limited to, hook-and-loop fabric, clips, snaps, straps, ties, belts and braces. Alternatively, the yoke juncture is fixed and the length of the device and the sizes of the first and second loops and the first and second apertures are fixed.

In accordance with the embodiments of the invention the elongated flattened body has a rounded first end which tapers to a rounded second end that is smaller than the first end. The first end of the elongated flattened body forms the first loop having a width in a range of 15 to 30 inches and the first aperture having a diameter of 8 inches or more, such that the first loop is positionable around a torso portion of a swimmer's body. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention the rounded second forms the second loop having a width in a range of 8 to 14 inches and the second aperture having a width of 5 inches or more. The entire length of the device from the first rounded end to the second rounded end is preferably in a range of 30 to 40 inches and the distance from the first rounded end to the second aperture is preferably in a range of 24 to 30 inches.

The floatation device of the present invention is preferably used as part of a comprehensive swimming curriculum in conjunction with other suitable teaching devices for teaching proper swimming techniques. Other suitable teaching devices include, but are not limited to, fins, floatation boards, and other floatation devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a floatation device with the preferred dimensions thereof, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1B shows floatation device formed from foam tubes in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2A-B show floatation devices formed from a tubular structure positioned in a figure-eight like configuration, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3A-D show floatation devices being used in a number of different swimming positions teaching proper swimming techniques, in accordance with the method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The floatation device of the present invention, also referred to here in as a tabular floatation device (T.F.D.), is preferably used as part of a comprehensive swimming curriculum, such as the Pool Assisted Learning Program (P.A.L.P.), a portion of which is outlined below. The T.F.D. is used alone or conjunction with other teaching devices or aids for teaching proper swimming techniques, such as fins, floatation boards, and other floatation devices.

The P.A.L.P. was created based on over 20 years of coaching experience. The P.A.L.P. is based on dynamic principals that are used in teaching skills in which correct form and repetition are essential to the success of the student. It has been shown that students learn to swim faster and more efficiently when they are repeatedly put in the correct positions. The T.F.D. of the present invention assists student to repeatedly maintain correct positions while practicing a number of different swimming techniques.

LEVEL 1/LESSON 1 LEVEL 1/LESSON 2 Introduce staff and credentials Review entry and exit from pool Go over safety rules Blow bubbles Safe entry & exit to pool Face in water Adjusting to know instructor Blow air out under water (Dunkin' Donuts) Blowing bubbles New skills: Face in the water Reach to wall/wall walk Retrieve object from shallow Wall Bobs LEVEL 1/LESSON 3 LEVEL 1/LESSON 4 Safety rules/Deep End Orientation Hold Breath under water - 3 counts Review blowing bubbles Blow air out under water Hold breath under water - 3 counts Superman float w/ T.F.D. Blow air out under water Front kick w/ board(s) (Dunkin' Donuts) Wall Bobs New skills: New Skills: Back float w/ board(s) Superman float w/ T.F.D. Front crawl arms w/ T.F.D. walking Flutter kick Drills Front Crawl arms stationary LEVEL 1/LESSON 5 LEVEL 1/LESSON 6 Hold breath for 5 sec. Reach to wall/ Wall bobs Flutter Kick w/ board(s) Superman float Superman Float Front kick w/ board(s) Back float w/ board(s) Superman glide w/ T.F.D. in front New Skills: Hold breath for 5 sec. Superman glide w/ S.P. Back float w/ board(s) Front Crawl w/ T.F.D. Front crawl w/ T.F.D. (push off wall) (push off wall) LEVEL 1/LESSON 7 LEVEL 1/LESSON 8 Safe entry and exit to pool Back float w/ board(s) Wall bobs and reach to wall Hold breath under water Blowing bubbles Blow air Out under water Hold breath under water Superman glide w/ T.F.D. Blow air out under water Introduce Level 2 skills: Back float w/ board(s) Rotary breathing Superman glide w/ T.F.D. kicking Independent superman float Front crawl w/ v Spiderman - back glide Retrieve object from shallow

Using the P.A.L.P. in conjunction with various floatation device, such that the T.F.D. helps students maintain the correct body positioning while kicking, helps student maintain breath control and helps students perform consistent and efficient gliding and stroking techniques. This gives the students the confidence and the necessary repetition to learn a swimming skill while assuring that the correct technique and/or positioning is being practiced. Furthermore, the P.A.L.P. in conjunction with T.F.D. allows instructors to break down the different parts of the stroke, which further enables students to fully concentrate on each part of a swim stroke without having to maintain a prone position in the water.

FIG. 1A shows a floatation device 100 and preferred dimensions thereof, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The floatation device 100 of the present invention preferably has an elongated flattened body 101 that has a figure-eight or a pear-like shape. The elongated flattened body 101 is formed from one or more tubular structures 103 and 105 that are made from or comprise a buoyant material, such as foam and or inflatable plastic. Preferably, at least portions of the tubular structures 103 and 105 have diameters in a range of 1.5 to 3.5 inches, as indicated by the arrow 103.

The elongated flattened body 101 has a rounded first end 115 which tapers to a rounded second end 117 that is smaller than the first end 115. The rounded first end 115 of the elongated flattened body 101 forms a first loop having a width in a range of 15 to 30 inches, as indicated by the arrow 125 and a first aperture 120 having a diameter of 8 inches or more, as indicated by the arrow 129. In accordance with the embodiment of the invention the rounded second 117 of the elongated flattened body 101 forms a second loop having a width in a range of 8 to 14 inches, as indicated by the arrow 127, and a second aperture 130 having a width of 5 inches or more, as indicated by the arrow 131. The length of the floatation device 100 from the first rounded end 115 to the second rounded end 117 is preferably 30 to 40 inches, as indicated by the arrow 121, and the distance from the first rounded end 115 to the second aperture 130 is preferably in a range of 24 to 30 inches, as indicated by the arrow 123.

FIG. 1B shows floatation device 150 formed from a first tubular structure 154 and a second tubular structure 153. The first tubular structure 154 and the second tubular structure 153 are preferably made from or comprise foam. The first tube tubular structure 154 forms a first loop and a first aperture 120 and the second tubular structure 153 forms a second loop with the second aperture 130, preferably with dimension similar to those described above with reference to FIG. 1A. The first loop and the first aperture 120 are preferably adjacent and proximal to the second loop and the second aperture 130.

The a second tubular structure 153 is juxtaposed to the first tubular structure 154 as shown and the first tubular structure 154 and a second tubular structure 153 are attached to each other by any suitable attachment means 157/159 including, but not limited to, hook-and-loop fabric, clips, snaps, straps, ties, belts and braces. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention the position of the first tubular structure 154 and the second tubular structure 153 relative to each other is adjustable. For example, the attachment means 157/159 is loosened and the first tubular structure 154 and the second tubular structure 153 are pushed closer together or pulled farther apart and, thereby adjusting the length of the floatation device 150 and sizes of the second loop and second aperture 130.

FIG. 2A shows a floatation device 200 formed from a single tubular structure that is fashioned into a figure-eight configuration with a dragon motif. As described above, the floatation device 200 has a first loop section 201 with a first aperture 205 and a second loop section 203 with a second aperture 207. The first loop section 201 and first aperture 205 are preferably larger than the second loop section 203 and the first aperture 205 is preferably large enough to be positioned over a torso portion of a swimmer's body. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the sizes of the first loop section 201, the second loop section 203 and the corresponding first aperture 205 and second aperture 207 are adjustable by changing the position of the yoke juncture 211. The tubular structure is folded onto itself and can be detached and reposited to another location through attachment features including, but not limited to hook-and-loop fabric, clips, snaps, straps, ties, belts and braces. Alternatively, the yoke juncture 221 is fixed and the sizes of the first loop section 201, the second loop section 203 and the corresponding first aperture 205 and the second aperture 207 are also fixed.

FIG. 2B shows a floatation device 250 formed from a tubular structure fashioned into a wreath of fish. The floatation device 250 has a first loop section 251 with a first aperture 255 and a second loop section 253 with a second aperture 257. As described above, the sizes of the first loop section 251, the second loop section 253 and the corresponding first aperture 255 and second aperture 257 are adjustable by changing the position of the yoke juncture or are fixed. FIG. 3A-D will now be used to illustrate the use of a floatation device 300, similar to the floatation devices 100, 150, 200 and 250 described with reference to FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 2A-B.

FIG. 3A shows a swimmer 350 belly-side down in the water. In operation, a torso portion of the swimmer's body is positioned through a first loop structure of the floatation device 300. The swimmer's arm 351/351′ are outstretched over a top portion of a second loop structure of the floatation device 300, such that the swimmer 350 can kick and glide through water.

FIG. 3B shows a swimmer 360 back-side down in water. In operation, a torso portion of the swimmer's body is positioned through a first loop structure of the floatation device 300 and the swimmer's head 361 rests over the top of a second loop structure of the floatation device 300, such that the swimmer 360 can kick and glide through water while the swimmer 360 faces upward.

FIG. 3C shows a swimmer 350 belly-side down in water. In operation, a torso portion of the swimmers body is positioned on top of a second loop structure of the floatation device 300. The swimmer's arm 361 is resting over a top portion of a first loop structure of the floatation device 300, such that the swimmer 360 can paddle through water with one arm while the swimmer faces forward.

FIG. 3A shows a swimmer 350 belly-side down in water. In operation, a torso portion of the swimmer's body is positioned through a first loop structure of the floatation device 300. The swimmer's arm 351/351′ are outstretched with hands grasping end portion of a first tubular structure forming the first loop structure. In addition there are two similar floatation devices 301 and 303 that are positioned with first loop structures of the floatation devices 301 and 303 around the torso portion of the swimmer's body, such that the swimmer 350 can kick and glide through water.

As described above, the floatation device of the present invention is preferably used as part of a comprehensive swimming curriculum, such as the Pool Assisted Learning Program (P.A.L.P.), a portion of which is outlined above. The floatation device of the present invention helps swimmers gain confidence in the water and allows the swimmers to learn proper swimming techniques in a variety of different swimming positions.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. As such, references herein to specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the floatation device of the present invention can have any number of loop structures with any number of corresponding apertures. Also, the floatation device of the present invention can have any number of shapes, designs and colors. 

1. A buoyant device comprising an elongated flattened body, the elongated flattened body comprising a first rounded end which tapers to a second rounded end that is smaller than the first rounded end, wherein the first rounded end forms a first loop with a first aperture having a width, such that the first loop is positionable around a torso portion of a swimmer's body.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first loop has a diameter of 8 inches or more.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongated flattened body comprises foam.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the second rounded end forms a second loop with a second aperture.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the second aperture has a width of 5 inches or more.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first loop has a width in a range of 15 to 30 inches.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the second loop has a width in a range of 8 to 14 inches.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the first rounded end and the second rounded end span a length of 30 to 40 inches.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first rounded end and the second aperture are separated by a distance in a range of 24 to 30 inches.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongated flattened body is made from a first foam tube forming the first loop and the first aperture and a second foam tube attached to the first foam tube and foaming a second loop with a second aperture.
 11. A floatation device comprising an elongated flattened body comprising a buoyant material foaming a first loop structure and a second loop structure coupled to the first loop structure that is proximate to the first loop structure, wherein at least one of the first loop structure and the second loop structure forms an aperture sufficiently large to position the at least one of the first loop structure and the second loop structure around a torso portion of a swimmer.
 12. The floatation device of claim 11, wherein the buoyant material includes one or more of an inflatable plastic material and a foam material.
 13. The floatation device of claim 12, wherein the first loop structure and the second loop structure form a figure-eight like configuration.
 14. The floatation device of claim 12, wherein the first loop structure and the second loop structure are formed from tube structures with diameters in a range of 1.5 to 3.5 inches
 15. The floatation device of claim 12, wherein the aperture has a diameter of at least 8 inches.
 16. A system for teaching swimming techniques, the system comprising a buoyant tubular structure that forms adjacent apertures, wherein at least one of the adjacent apertures is sufficiently large to fit around a torso portion of a swimmer.
 17. The system device of claim 16, wherein the tubular structure has a diameter in a range of 1.5 to 7 inches.
 18. The system device of claim 16, wherein the buoyant tubular structure is inflatable.
 19. The system device of claim 16, wherein the buoyant tubular structure comprises a foam material.
 21. The system device of claim 16, wherein buoyant tubular structure forms a figure-eight like configuration or a pear shaped structure. 